The Good Family Hotel Guide: Hotel Sol Club Palmeras, Varadero

Mood

Mood

Doubters who question taking children to Cuba can be reassured. This Spanish-owned and run hotel is more attractive and efficient than most Caribbean four-star establishments. And although locals suffer, alas, because of the US embargo, tourists live off the fat of the land.

Accommodation

Large air-conditioned (essential) rooms with private facilities, TVs and phones.

Beach

Stunning white sand and turquoise shallow sea. At the smart end of the eight-mile stretch, it is well away from some smelly oil refineries.

Activities

Huge pool, tennis, beach volleyball and children's mini-club daily. Water sports and mini-golf cost extra.

Refuelling

Four restaurants including a buffet and excellent seafood beach shack. On a useful "Dine Around" scheme, if you are on a half-board or full-board basis, you get a $20US voucher for adults, $10 for children, to eat in a choice of 12 restaurants nearby.

Out and about

Golf course, dolphin show, park and boating lake in otherwise featureless Varadero. Havana is 90 miles away and though dilapidated, its old American cars, bike rickshaws, tobacco factory and the motorboat Granma in the Museo de la Revolucion will probably fascinate older children.

Sample prices

Panorama Holidays (01273 427123) offers a week's half-board from £648 per adult, £568 for children under 12.

Address

Hotel Sol Club Palmeras, Central de las Morlas, Varadero, Cuba (00 535 66 7009)